Part 1 - STOPPING IS NOT OPTIONAL

Part 2 - THE BRAKE CONTROLLER

Part 3 - Myth #1: Brake controllers that tap into the brake line or cable to the brake pedal are the only type that can stop ahead of the trailer

Part 4 - Myth #2: Proportional braking is the key to smooth trailer braking 

Hensley Mfg. didn't conduct all this testing and research just to deliver bad news. We wanted to solve the problem. We started with a blank sheet of paper and wrote down what we wanted, based on our testing and experience with our own travel trailers. Here's what we wanted out of a brake controller:

" Smooth stopping at any speed. " No gain adjustment. " Enough power to always stop the trailer ahead of the tow vehicle. " Easy installation. " Easy functionality - no menus! " Driver feedback - amperage to the trailer brakes.

It was a daunting list, and we wondered if we weren't in over our heads. Even the largest brake controller companies hadn't come up with anything this elaborate. After two years and countless trips back to square one, however, we came up with the TruControl™. It's the only brake controller on the market that solves all the problems mentioned above. Through the use of patented software, we were able emulate the hydraulic profile of the tow-vehicle brake line, but we were also able to adjust the power output to make up for the inefficiencies of the trailer brakes at high speeds and the tow-vehicle brakes at low speeds.

The pivotal feature of the TruControl™ is the automatic gain adjustment. The solid-state gyro, an upgrade from the standard accelerometer, feeds into a gain register, which updates the gain 1000 times per second, with no input from the driver. Adjustments are made based on acceleration/deceleration, angle of incline, acceleration around curves, and trailer brake heat based on amps drawn. In other words, the TruControl™ thinks for the driver, adjusting to any driving condition. The patented software and automatic gain provide smooth stopping at any speed and the exact amount of power needed.

Power was the next issue. Standard electric trailer brakes draw about 3 Amps each. Therefore, a 2-axle trailer will draw about 12 Amps. All brake controllers to date have put out between 2.5 and 3.25 Amps. In a perfect world, the 3.25 Amp models would be adequate. However, because of inefficiencies in wiring and connections, a good deal of power is lost before it ever reaches the trailer brakes. The results: No brake controller prior to TruControl™ delivered the full amount of power that trailer brakes will draw.

After considering the worst case scenario for power loss, we settled on a target of 4.5 Amps output per brake, with a maximum surge of 48 Amps, more than double all other controllers on the market. At 4.5 Amps per brake, TruControl™ allows for any loss and provides more braking power than anything available.

• Part 6 - Ease of use and functionality 

• Part 7 - Conclusions and recommendation